City: Houston, TX

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (713) 223-3474

Address: 410 Bagby St.

Description: Houston’s Downtown Aquarium is home to 8 one-­of-­a-kind “adventure exhibits,” a couple paying homage to the Gulf of Mexico region. The Louisiana Swamp exhibit, for instance, celebrates Texas’s eastern neighbor with re-­created Gulf Coast marshes and bayous that introduce you to some of the state’s slimier residents—alligator snapping turtles, crayfish, spotted gar, and good ol’ dwarf alligators. The Gulf of Mexico exhibit, meanwhile, offers a look at the nurse sharks, snapper, and other aquatic creatures that live around the gulf’s offshore rigs. Also not to be missed are the aquarium’s international exhibits, which include a sunken temple that showcases a 20-foot tiger reticulated python and other species from a lost Mayan civilization, as well as the white tigers—yes, tigers—that strut around the replicated ruins of an ancient Indian temple. When all of the marine biology lessons start wearing you or the kids out, head outdoors to play carnival-­style games, ride a carousel featuring plastic alligators, or take in some of the best views of the Houston skyline on the Diving Bell Ferris Wheel. Then visit the Aquarium restaurant, where you’ll dine surrounded by a 150,000-gallon aquarium. Or visit the Dive Lounge, where you’ll find the usual beers and thematically named martinis and specialty drinks like the Redfish Rita, a margarita with cranberry juice. Aquarium admission is $6.25 for kids ages 2 to 12, $9.25 for adults, $8.25 for seniors 65 and up, and free for kids under 2. Don’t be fooled, though. A trip to the aquarium can add up quickly. Rides aren’t included in general admission, so you’ll pay an extra $2.99 to $4.99 per ride. Want to make a day of it? Buy the All-­Day Adventure Pass for $15.99 per person; this allows you to see all of the exhibits and ride as many rides as you want. On-­site parking is available for $6; valet parking is available in front of the aquarium for $8.